6 popular metaphors for the debt-ceiling fight

Like many people, the U.S. tends to spend its money before it earns it. Instead of keeping a Visa or American Express card in its wallet, it borrows money by selling Treasury bonds. To use a metaphor, the debt ceiling is the country's credit limit, and right now America is about maxed out. The debt ceiling is meant to keep America's spending in check, but it's not exactly easy to explain, particularly if you're a politician.Often, they and the journalists …